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New York City's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to take up residence in the iconic Gracie Mansion, departing from the rent-stabilised apartment that became a focal point throughout his run for office.

A Historic Residence

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the official residence for most New York City mayors from the World War II era.

However, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a core platform, did not confirm his residency plans immediately following his electoral win in November.

"My choice rested on our family's safety and the need to dedicating my complete efforts on carrying out the platform on affordability voters voted for," Mamdani said on Monday.

Thanking a Neighborhood

His home was in Astoria, Queens, a district known for its diverse cultural enclaves and culinary diversity.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: my gratitude for showing us the best of New York City," he noted.

"Even though I'm moving in the neighborhood, Astoria will always live inside me and my work," he said.

Campaign Controversy

Throughout his campaign, Mamdani linked his central policy – a rent freeze – to his personal living arrangements.

Yet his rivals, most notably one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for remaining in the affordable housing even though he came from a well-known family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Not all mayors have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, chose to live in his private home on Manhattan's Upper East Side during his tenure, which ended in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg argued it could serve as a place for civic gatherings, and advocated for significant upgrades of the older mansion.

A Stately Residence

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion for his first day on 1 January, he will be surrounded by an environment far removed from his humble Astoria home.

Featuring butter yellow paint, forest green window covers, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house situated by the East River.

Inside, the first floor of the Federal-style mansion is decorated to reflect the home's early 19th-century origins.

The property, which reportedly has several bedrooms, also boasts increased security measures to protect the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

A number of people have alleged that Gracie Mansion also has spiritual residents.

Chirlane McCray, the partner of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that they experienced doors opening and closed by themselves, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

Former Mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "It doesn't matter what people claim," he insisted in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

Mamdani's current apartment is rent stabilised, which means the city imposes caps on how much building managers can raise the rent each year.

City residents consider these apartments crucial resources as the housing expenses exceeds the average income.

Data indicated Mamdani his rent was $2,300 each month for his apartment.

Per figures from real estate analysts Zillow, the average rent for a studio or one-bedroom in New York City is $3,500 a month.